Jon “Bones” Jones defeated Stipe Miocic on Saturday to retain his undisputed UFC world heavyweight title and celebrated by paying tribute to President-elect Trump, who was ringside.
Jones broke out moments of Trump’s signature dance after landing a spinning back kick to Miocic’s ribs to end the title fight with a technical knockout. As he danced into the ring, the decidedly pro-Trump crowd roared his approval.
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Jon Jones (red gloves) fights Stipe Miocuk (blue gloves) in a heavyweight bout during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. (Brad Penner-Images)
As Jones pointed at Trump while dancing, the incoming president smiled and gave a thumbs-up.
During a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Jones also gave Trump a charming shout-out.
“A big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” Jones said, sending the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy.
Donald Trump arrives at UFC 309 on MSG; Crowds roar for presidential election weeks after historic rally
Then, Jones channeled the crowd’s energy into chants of “USA! USA!” Used to start. chanted, to which they happily joined.
Jones added, “I’m proud to be a great American champion. I’m proud to be a Christian American champion.”
After the interview, Jones walked over to where Trump was sitting with Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, sons Don Jr. and Eric, Kid Rick, Vivek Ramaswamy, and handed him his UFC title belt.
President-elect Donald Trump presents the title belt to Jon Jones after defeating Stip Miocic at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden early Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vokey)
Trump invited Jones to visit the White House when he takes office as the 47th president of the United States next year.
While Jones said he may have a few more fights left in him, the 42-year-old Miocic told Rogan he is done for his career, worthy of a Hall of Famer who is one of the best heavyweight fighters. As one of the can step inside the Octagon.
Jones is considered by many to be the greatest fighter of all time, as he now owns a record of 28-1 with no contests.
Trump made a triumphant return to MSG on Saturday night with a star-studded entourage just weeks after holding a historic rally inside the “world’s most famous arena.”
Trump, making his first UFC appearance since winning the election over Vice President Kamala Harris on Nov. 5, received a standing ovation when he entered with his entourage.
“If only the people in the house could hear the sound in this room right now. It’s so loud!” Rogan said on the pay-per-view broadcast when Trump entered the arena. “It’s always loud when he comes in, but now that he’s won. [the election]Now that he’s president again, oh my god!”
Jon Jones (red gloves) enters before his heavyweight bout against Stipe Miocuk (blue gloves) during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. (Brad Penner-Images)
Those who were able to stand inside the arena were doing so as the video board began playing a video montage of Trump’s arrival, the broadcast added. “USA! USA!” The field was also filled with slogans.
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Trump witnessed several other great fights on that UFC 309 card, including co-main event winner Charles Oliveira’s unanimous decision win over Michael Chandler. Chandler is a big supporter of Trump, and after fighting Oliveira for the full five rounds, he even chatted briefly with Trump after their match.
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